Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026

Subject: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Jan 26 - 12:30 PM

From Eliza’s Facebook Page…

ABM and the Carthy family had hoped that the planned 2026 tour and festival dates with Martin, alongside Eliza, would offer a graceful and dignified exit from touring for him: one in which he could celebrate his amazing legacy and leave audiences with fond memories. Sadly, Martin’s health has rapidly declined in the last few weeks. As such, we have made the incredibly painful decision that Martin will be unable to fulfil these duo bookings.

A message from Eliza Carthy:

“Dear everyone,
A month ago, Martin, at 84, was diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimers Disease. While his doctor initially suggested that Dad would and should be able to tour in the Spring, and we were hoping to use the tour to say goodbye to Dad’s many fans, it now appears that this won’t be possible or advisable for his health.
Dad sends his love and regrets to everyone hoping to see him one more time. Eliza will fulfil these shows, and will try to honour his legacy as much as possible. Our family thanks you for your patience and love.”

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Jan 26 - 12:35 PM

Clicked ‘Go’ too soon - should also have said that this is a very sad development. I’m sure many will join in sending their best wishes to Martin, Eliza, and their wider family.

So glad I saw Martin performing on a number of occasions, a real ‘one-of-a-kind’ musician, singer, and performer.

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled
From: GUEST,JoeG
Date: 23 Jan 26 - 12:54 PM

Such sad news. Love to Martin & Eliza

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled
From: keberoxu
Date: 23 Jan 26 - 02:00 PM

I was fortunate to live near Cambridge, Massachusetts in my student years. Martin Carthy's tours regularly took him to Cambridge and I faithfully attended his performances for several years in a row; he was then middle-aged and probably at the height of his powers.

It is sad but inevitable to read of his physical decline.
I am grateful to have seen and heard him at his best, and wish him and his family well.

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026
From: Nick Dow
Date: 23 Jan 26 - 07:21 PM

I heard this news earlier today. I have worked with Martin several times over the years, and he helped and encouraged me when I was young. Mally and I performed with him at a concert in Upwey, Dorset, a couple of years ago, and we have not seen him since. I genuinely hope he has a long and enjoyable retirement despite his health problems. He has earned it. He is one of nature's gentlemen and a superb musician, singer, and friend.

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026
From: r.padgett
Date: 24 Jan 26 - 03:32 AM

So sorry to hear this sad news a gentleman and artist who devoted his life to the performance of the music of the people

Looked up by all others as being the master

Hope you continue life's struggle with dignity

Ray

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026
From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea
Date: 24 Jan 26 - 03:36 AM

How could this day ever come?
First met Martin in 1973 and was utterly thrilled to be in his company.That has never changed.
Leave alone the song tradition, without doubt, the greatest artistic exponent of acoustic presentation in the last sixty years of British music.I could not help but comment in this way because, for me,Martin has totally defined traditional song as a performance art.

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026
From: StephenH
Date: 24 Jan 26 - 02:15 PM

As with the other comments, I am so sorry to hear this. I dislike the term "hero" but I can't think of a better term to describe how I feel about Martin Carthy. His impact on my musical life and how I approach singing a song has been immeasurable.

All my very best wishes to him, Eliza and the whole family.

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026
From: GUEST,Susanne (skw)
Date: 26 Jan 26 - 09:01 AM

What everybody else said before me!
He was not quite my introduction to English folk but came hot on the heels of The Spinners :-) about 50 years ago, and his albums are among my most treasured ones to this day. Saw him (and Norma) live too few times.
That's life unfortunately - I wish him and his family a good and easy time until he eventually rejoins Norma!

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026
From: GUEST,Dick Miles
Date: 28 Jan 26 - 05:34 PM

He has made a very important contribution to the UK Folk Revival, and has given many people great pleasure with his songs and guitar playing.
I worked with him, on a couple of occasions, and booked him many times over the last 50 YEARS, A man whose company was always a pleasure, may his retirement be enjoyable.. he has deserved it

Subject: RE: Martin Carthy - Health & Tour Cancelled Jan 2026
From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea
Date: 03 Feb 26 - 02:51 PM

What is going on here?
In performance terms, this is the end of a very significant seven decade era.This man is a giant!This man is one of the greatest acoustic guitarists of seven decades!This man is fabulously artistic and skilled at interpretation of British balladry!This man's name is spoken with reverence!So where are the plaudits and comments that should be totally overloading this thread?What's the matter with everyone?I think the folk audience world has a duty to let this great man know and see how he is revered.Come on!!!